2 minute read
Bown Family Receives Alberta Century Farm and Ranch Award
Bown Family Receives Alberta Century Farm and Ranch Award
Bown Family
Submitted
The Bown family gathered in Ranfurly in early July 2023 to celebrate over 100 years of farming, and to honour George Ray and Gertrude Bown and family who started this farming legacy on a half-section of land in Ranfurly in 1921.
Ray farmed with horses most of his life and threshing crews helped with harvesting. The dedication and hard work of farming in those early days, set the foundation for, Jerry Robert (Bob) and Lorraine Bown to continue to expand the farming operations.
They began farming as most couples did with cows, pigs, chickens, ducks and so on, but as years went by, they reduced the livestock to focus on grain farming and raising cattle. There were many changes in farm operations over these years with the addition of tractors, square balers, and a self-propelled combine.
Bob and Lorraine’s unwavering commitment to and love for “The Farm” made this a special place for gatherings for family and friends. When sons, Rob and Barry Bown (grandsons) took up farming, farm homes were built for the growing families and the farming operations expanded with the purchase and rental of additional land.
Barry and Diana Bown focused on grain farming, and Rob and family on raising cattle. The Bown farming legacy continues today with the fourth generation of farmers. Chad, Travis and Todd Bown (great-grandsons) have joined the grain farming operations. Jenn, Amy and Chris Bown (great-grandchildren) have joined Rob in raising cattle.
The Bown family were honoured to receive the Alberta Century Farm and Ranch Award, and extend their special thanks to community members and friends who have supported the realization of this family achievement. The family looks forward to celebrating many more years of farming this land.
